Category: College Admissions Trends

Class of 2027 Regular Decision Notification Dates

Friday, March 24, 2023
Happy hipster African American female student, freelancer with Afro hair using laptop computer sitting at table in outdoor cafe elearning, remote studying, typing on pc tech, working on internet.

Are you ready for regular decision notification dates? Admissions offices across the US are working hard to get through hundreds of thousands of regular decision college applications for the class of 2027 in order to notify students of their decisions this spring.

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Class of 2027 Admission Rates

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Class of 2023 Early Admission RatesStudents navigating the college admissions process continue to experience unique challenges and changes, including the announcement of an entirely digital SAT, continued test-optional policies, increasing application numbers, and more students applying to even more colleges than ever before. All of this has led to an even more competitive year at the most selective colleges in the US, while other schools plan to admit more students than ever before in order to manage enrollment numbers. 

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College Planning: All You Need to Know in Advance

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Students discuss their college planning ahead of a lectureWhile it might be OK to go into your weekend without an itinerary in place, the same can’t be said for college admissions. If you’re looking to minimize your stress levels while boosting your odds of getting accepted into your first-choice school, creating a college planning process is essential.

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Yield Rates

Saturday, February 4, 2023

Happy young students walking outdoorsAfter many colleges reported all-time low acceptance rates, some students might be curious about their yield rates, or just how many of these admitted applicants have chosen to enroll. Yield is a priority for every college because it impacts their place on rankings lists and it can also influence their bond ratings.

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Why Your Interests Matter in the College Admissions Process

Friday, November 18, 2022

extracurricular activity resourcesWhen preparing students for the college admissions process, we place a lot of emphasis on identifying and developing students’ interests in addition to good grades and test scores. As we’ve said before, students’ interests are important because it helps colleges make admissions decisions and build well-rounded classes. However, developing students’ interests isn’t just about getting into college – they’re a key factor in helping students succeed during their four years and after graduation.

Why Do Extracurricular Interests Matter to Colleges?

When admissions officers evaluate college applications, they don’t just assess an applicant’s grades and standardized test scores. They also factor in extracurricular activities and your interests to get a comprehensive view of who you are, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Extracurriculars Highlight the Impact You Will Make on Campus

While grades and test scores are important decision factors, admissions officers read applications in context and strive to paint a whole picture for each student they review. Colleges want to know exactly how you’ll fit in on campus, what kind of roommate will you be, and what activities you’re likely to get involved in once you’re on

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US vs. UK Admissions: What You Need to Know

Friday, November 11, 2022

oxford university uk.jpg

While more and more international students are studying in the US every year, a number of students are also looking to the UK for university options. The US and UK university systems are dramatically different, however, and many international students struggle with determining which would be the best fit for their learning styles, goals, and interests. With these two admissions systems and processes differing so significantly, it’s important to understand the nuances of US vs. UK admissions and how to apply to each.

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Yield Rates for the Class of 2026

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Happy young students walking outdoorsAfter many colleges reported all-time low acceptance rates, some students might be curious about their yield rates, or just how many of these admitted applicants have chosen to enroll. Yield is a priority for every college because it impacts their place on rankings lists and it can also influence their bond ratings.

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Making Your Own College Rankings

Friday, September 9, 2022

High school student making her own ranked list of colleges.

A constant concern of universities, and many college-bound families is the next list of college rankings. Where will an institution land on a list with other “top” colleges, and which schools will be a surprise top 5? But do rankings really matter? The short answer is: no!

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Test Score Submit Rates for Class of 2025

Friday, May 20, 2022
Percentage of SAT and ACT Score Submissions for the Class of 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the way higher education institutions review applications with many colleges choosing to adopt a temporary test-optional application review process. However, with record-breaking applicant pools and record-low admit rates, families are worried that test-optional may not really mean test-optional at all. Here is what we know, so far.

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What to Know About the New Digital SAT

Monday, January 31, 2022

SAT

On January 25, the College Board announced that starting in 2023 and 2024, the SAT (including the PSAT) would become an entirely computer-based exam. High school students and families might be wondering how this will impact their test prep and college prep strategies. Read on to learn more!

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College Prep 101: College Admissions Glossary of Terms

Tuesday, September 7, 2021
college admissions glossary of terms.jpgLearn the College Admissions Lingo Before Starting Your College Prep

Applying to college and choosing where to enroll is both a major milestone and an important decision. It’s bound to be a little stressful, but it can feel completely overwhelming if you’re not up to date on all of the latest terminology.

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College Bond Ratings: How It Impacts Admissions

Monday, August 9, 2021
Learn How Bond Ratings Can Impact Admissions

By Nat, IvyWise College Admissions Counselor

Most students understand that academic performance is a major deciding factor in college admissions, but what about the things out of students’ control like bond ratings?

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Colleges Extending Regular Decision Deadlines

Monday, January 11, 2021
Calm young woman in headphones listening to music and working on laptop at homeWhich Colleges Are Extending Their Regular Round Application Deadlines?

Earlier this year, we announced that several colleges were opting to extend their early application deadlines. Now, several months later, it looks like many schools are following a similar path for their regular round process.

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College Admissions Changes During a Global Shift

Friday, October 16, 2020
Learn What College Admissions Changes to Expect Now and in the Future

The college admissions process has always been multifaceted and complex, but the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have added a new layer of uncertainty. From limited testing options to a lack of campus tours, college applicants are experiencing a new playing field with several noteworthy differences. 

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IvyWise Live Q&A: Coronavirus and College Admissions

Friday, April 10, 2020

ivywise live counsellorsJoin Our Facebook Live Webinars April 15 & 17 to Learn More About How To Prep for College Admissions Process This Fall

Tune in to IvyWise Live on our Facebook page next week, where College Admissions Experts Christine, Scott, Nat, Zach, and Rachel will discuss how students can prepare for the college admissions process this fall and answer your most pressing college prep questions.

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How to Stay Calm While Waiting for Admissions Decisions

Monday, March 16, 2020

AdobeStock_326462468Keep a Level Head While Awaiting College Decisions

With most colleges just days away from announcing their admissions decisions for regular round applicants, countless students are waiting in anticipation to receive their results. Although applicants have already done the “hard” part by compiling their submissions, sometimes waiting can feel like the most challenging component of the process.

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Finding Time For Fun When Applying to College

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Having fun when applying to collegeLearn How to Balance it All During Application Season

Between figuring out when to prepare for the SAT, college tours, and keeping up with school work, it’s all too easy for students to neglect their friendships and recreational activities during the college admissions process. While making time for schoolwork and admissions-related tasks is essential, it’s equally important to pencil in time to socialize and enjoy high school.

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What Does ‘Rolling Admissions’ Mean?

Monday, November 4, 2019

ivywise college admissions counseling and tutoringUnderstand How the Rolling Admissions Process Works

Just like there is no one-size-fits-all top-choice college for every student, the application process itself is far from universal. Some students may choose to apply early, while others could benefit from a gap year, regular round applications, or selecting institutions with rolling admissions processes.

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Online College Admissions Resources for Seniors

Thursday, August 16, 2018

3 College Search Resources Every Student Should Use600x315Applying to College This Fall? Check Out These Helpful Resources

The college admissions season is officially underway, and there’s a lot that high school seniors need to do between now and application deadlines on Jan. 1. The college application process can be confusing, but there are a number of online resources that can help students and parents navigate the process this fall.

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3 Pieces of College Admissions Advice for the Class of 2018

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

class of 2018 college admissions advice.jpg“Don’t Be Afraid to Be Yourself. Colleges Want a Person Not a Paper.”

The college admissions process is officially underway for the high school class of 2018, with the Common Application now open and the new school year just around the corner. Applying to college can be a stressful and intimidating process, but there are simple steps that rising high school seniors can take to make the most of their admissions journey.

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31 College Prep Resources for High School Juniors

Thursday, February 16, 2017

college prep resources for high school juniors.jpgResources to Help High School Juniors Stay On Track With Their College Planning

 

The college application process is right around the corner for high school juniors, and we have a number of resources to help college bound juniors get and stay on track before they apply to college in the fall.

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How to Ace Your College Admissions Interview

Monday, October 10, 2016
college admissions interviewAdmissions Interviews Can Help You Stand Out and Demonstrate Interest

Now that we are at the height of application season, it’s a good idea to start preparing for the possibility of a college admissions interview. This is a chance for the college to put a face to the name on your application, and it is your opportunity to stand out and provide some additional context for your application.

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The Ultimate College Admissions Guide

Wednesday, September 7, 2016
college admissions guide for seniorsEverything College Bound High School Seniors Need to Apply to College this Fall

 

It’s back to school time and for high school seniors it’s time to start applying to college! Are you ready?

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5 Tips for Choosing High School Classes

Thursday, August 25, 2016
tips_for_choosing_classes.jpgStudents Should Strike a Balance Between Challenging and Manageable

 

As students prepare to head back to school, many are examining their class schedule, gauging how difficult the next academic year will be and how they will achieve their grade goals. But it’s not just grades that colleges consider when evaluating applicants for admission. Colleges are also looking at the classes applicants are taking, how challenging they are, and how those courses align with students’ interests and academic goals.

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College Prep 101: How to Stay Organized When Applying to College

Thursday, May 26, 2016
stay organized when applying to college Use Spreadsheets and Checklists to Stay Organized When Applying to College

When I started formulating my balanced college list, I really was unsure what type of university or college I was looking for. I didn’t have a particular major in mind, all I knew was that I wanted to make sure I chose a school that would foster my own academic and professional growth while being a place I would be comfortable and proud to call home.

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How to Manage College Admissions Stress

Thursday, January 14, 2016
Manage College Admissions StressApplying to College Can Be Stressful But It Doesn’t Have to Be

It’s only natural for teens to feel pressure when navigating the college admissions process – it is, after all, one of the biggest decisions many teens will have made up until this point. In the January newsletter we covered how to manage test anxiety, which is common among many teens taking the ACT or SAT in hopes of getting into their dream school. While testing anxiety can be crippling, the college preparation process extends beyond one Saturday morning test. Many students can feel overwhelmed going into the process, and the stress can cause problems with grades, family, friends, health, and more.

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College Admission Secrets: The Truth About College Admissions

Tuesday, December 29, 2015
College Admission SecretsHere’s What Parents and Students Need to Know about Gimmicks, Diversity, and Admission Decisions

Many families have a lot of misconceptions about how the college admissions process works and what goes on behind the closed doors of admissions offices. At IvyWise we’re here to help clear up the confusion with our three-part College Admissions Secrets series. In this last installment we address what families need to know about applications and how admission decisions are made.

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College Admission Secrets: How Colleges Read Applications

Wednesday, December 16, 2015
College Admission Secrets Pt. 1Learn the Secrets About The College Admission Process

With high school seniors in the thick of the college application process, speculation abounds about how college admissions committees make decisions, what it takes to get in, and whether or not student A is more qualified than student B. “Chancing” is a big part of this frenzy, with students turning to message boards to post their stats in an effort to gain insight as to whether or not they have a shot at their top-choice college. But really goes on behind closed doors?

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What Matters When Applying to College?

Tuesday, November 10, 2015
What Matters When Applying to CollegeHere’s What Top Colleges Are Looking For When Evaluating Applications

There are a lot of misconceptions about what colleges are ‘looking for’ when evaluating college applications. Is it a well-rounded student? A well-rounded class? Students with only high SAT scores? Or students just in the top 10% of their class? Every college’s priorities are different, but here’s some insight into the factors that are important to most colleges based on a survey of college admissions officers themselves.

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What to Know about the New Coalition College App

Tuesday, September 29, 2015
New Coalition College ApplicationStudents Can Apply With the Coalition’s College Application In 2016

It was announced yesterday that over 80 colleges, including all Ivy Leagues and Stanford, had formed a coalition in an effort to increase college access and revamp the way that students apply to college. Known as the Coalition for Access, Affordability and Success, this initiative plans to launch a new college application next year that would serve as an alternative to The Common Application.

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FAQ: What You Need to Know About Transfer Admissions

Thursday, September 17, 2015
Transfer Admission TipsPlanning to Transfer to Another College? Here are Some Transfer Application Tips

 The college application season may be underway for current high school seniors, but there’s another group of admissions hopefuls that also need some guidance this season: undergraduate transfer students.

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Every College Planning Checklist You’ll Ever Need

Thursday, June 25, 2015
College Planning ChecklistsHere’s A Roundup of College Checklists For Every Stage of the College Prep Process

It may be summer vacation, but college prep rarely takes a break. Whether you’re getting ready for your first year of high school or preparing for your last, there’s no better time than the present to start thinking about your college admissions goals and how to achieve them. 

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2015 College Admissions Trends Families Need to Know

Tuesday, May 12, 2015
2015 College Admissions TrendsCommon App Questions, International Admissions, and More: Here Are the College Admissions Trends Families Need to Prepare for This Summer

The admissions process for the Class of 2019 is just wrapping up, but we’re already seeing new trends developing for the Class of 2020. From online education to alternative admission options, and even problematic Common Application questions that colleges can use to make admissions decisions, there’s a lot brewing for the next crop of college applicants.

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Class of 2019 Early Admission Rates

Monday, December 15, 2014
Class of 2019 Early Admission Rates resized 600Colleges See Increase in Early Applications, Slight Decrease in Early Admission Rates

The first members of the Class of 2019 are in, and many are anxious to see how this year’s early applicants compared to the Class of 2019. Here’s our breakdown of the early admission numbers for the Class of 2019. We will be updating as more statistics become available!

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College Admissions FAQ

Tuesday, November 11, 2014
College Admissions FAQ resized 600Answers to Some of the Most Common College Admissions Questions

Recently, IvyWise CEO and founder Dr. Kat Cohen stopped by the TODAY Show to talk about what college students should include in their college applications. A lot of great questions came up, and we want to make sure families are armed with the knowledge they need to succeed. Many of these questions and concerns stem a lack of clarity or  understanding of the college admissions process.  At IvyWise, we strive to help families demystify the college application process and guide students on how to put their best foot forward when it comes time to apply through our college admission counseling services.

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Building a Well-Rounded Class: Why Colleges Want Specialists

Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Colleges Want Well Rounded Classes resized 600Debunking the Myth of the Well-Rounded Student

The truth is, there is no foolproof way to guarantee admission to your top-choice college. Admissions officers look at a variety of factors when evaluating college applications, and no singular quality is going to make you a shoo-in.

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Transfer Admission Rates

Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Transfer Admit RatesKnow Your Chances of Admission Before Starting the Transfer Application Process

With the first semester well underway for most members of the Class of 2018, some students may be facing the disappointing realization that their top-choice school is not living up to their expectations. Maybe the decision to attend a school far from home feels overwhelming, or the atmosphere or classes aren’t as expected. Studies show that as many as one in three students transfer schools at least once before earning their diploma, and that a quarter of those students change schools more than once.

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How to Manage the College Admissions Process

Thursday, September 11, 2014
Manage College Application ProcessStart Early and Stay Organized to Make the Most of Your College Prep

Whether you’re a senior in the middle of a sea of college essays, or a freshman just starting your high school journey, there’s always some level of preparation you need to be focused on for the college admissions process. There are many different stages to preparing for college, and each can seem a little overwhelming to parents and students if they’re unsure of how to manage the process.  

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Best College Admissions Blogs

Thursday, August 21, 2014
Admissions Blogs to Follow copyFollow These Blogs to Get the Most Relevant College Admissions Info and Application Tips

The Internet is a significant tool in the college search process. Students can learn about prospective colleges, what it takes to get in, what they need to do to apply, how to stand out in the application pool, and more. With so much information available with just the click of a button (or a simple Google search), it can sometimes be hard to sift through what’s valuable and what’s not.

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